Exam Top Tips

Exam periods can be busy and stressful but there is lots of information available to help you prepare for and cope with the pressure.

If things in your personal life are affecting your exam performance it is important to tell the University as soon as possible.It is risky to go ahead with sitting an assessment if you know that you are not well, either physically or mentally. If you don’t feel well enough to take an assessment you can ask to take it at a later date by using the extenuating circumstance procedure.

1. Prepare

   Preparation is key, make a clear revision plan in plenty of time and stick to it.



2. Vary How You Revise

   Work out how you learn best but try not to stick to just one method. Reading books, although useful will become dull very quickly, You could try using mind maps, revising with a friend, practising previous questions or making up songs or poems to help you remember. basically keep it fresh and interesting.



3. Takes Care of Yourself

   Take regular breaks when you are revising, have plenty of sleep, do some exercise, don’t take too much caffeine intake at night time and eat healthily. You want to keep up your energy levels and concentration and it is really hard to do that if you are “running on Empty”.



4. Don’t Panic

   When you get into the exam room take a few minutes to compose yourself, read the questions a few times and then allocate time to each. Making short notes on questions at the beginning may help jog your memory and reassure you. If you do not think that you can do a question put it out of your mind and tackle it last.



5. Afterwards, Move On

   After you finish an exam put it behind you. Analyzing answers with your friends and worrying about how you did will increase stress which could affect your performance in other exams.




6. Keep Things In Perspective

   Doing badly in an exam can be upsetting but it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Stressing and worrying uses up energy meaning that you will not be able to work as effectively.



7. Seek help if you need it

   If exam stress is getting too much for you and you do not feel like you can cope talk to somebody about it. Student Services offer counselling, health and well being or chaplaincy support to all Birmingham City University Students.